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| You can see Powdermaker/Chester Road just above the dotted line of the proposed route for I-90 in this 1960s-era map |
The article was about how the planning of the new development along Chester Road was bringing to light some of the old legal descriptions of the properties. This resulted in the name ‘Powdermaker Road’ being discussed, and curiosity as to where the name came from.
What was somewhat surprising was that someone quoted in the article noted that the name came from the fact that back in the day when it was just a dirt road, it was often quite dry – and kicked up a lot of powder when traveled on.
While that may certainly be true, a look at some historic maps reveals that the name more likely came from the fact that the P. Powdermaker (also spelled ‘Poudermacher’) farm was located on today’s Chester Road a little east of the intersection with Moore Road.
Here’s part of an 1874 Avon Township map showing the Powdermaker property.
By the time of the 1912 maps series, the Powdermaker name was no longer associated with the farm properties, and today Chester Road seems to be the name of the road from end to end.
A glance at a map, however, shows Powdermaker Creek (or Ditch) running parallel and just to the west of Moore Road. Where it crosses Pin Oak Parkway, there are still identifying signs.
My horses were kept at Kelling Farm as a kid. Which the farm house was between current Ohio Canoe and the rail road tracks and went back a mile it seemed. The bachelor,farmer, character who owned the property named Albert Kelling and spoke w a German lilt. When we were not caring for our horses, there was about 10 of us kids. We were cheap farm labor lol we had a blast and learned a lot. He planted huge gardens we weeded and dug around potato plants. We would all load up on a hay wagon and head to Powdermaker road to load hay with the grey Ford Furguson. I'd ride on the fender. Albert told us his farm was the 2nd oldest in Lorain County next to Day farm??? I think it was partially purchased by Ohio Canoe, 2 of whose kids were farm hands w us. In the woods they built a septic/water plant where we rode. Albert told us a family member had hidden money in the house it when built. Its gone now. Sometime I will have to stop in Ohio Canoe and ask Reese about that. A business literally started in their basement was all it was at the time. Good memories havnt thought of Powdermaker in awhile. Thank you for sharing. Rae
ReplyDeleteCool bit of history, 'Cat!
DeleteI'd never heard of it, but then, when I worked for R. L. Polk in '88, I got in trouble for not covering Braman Court, which I'd never heard of. Turned out that "Braman Court" is the alley running north and south between 19th and 18th Streets, and between Elyria Avenue and Broadway. I lived a quarter of a block from it, and everyone just called it, "the alley", and there were no signs.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see that between 1874 and 1896 the Kinkshin name became the more familiar Kingshirn. Still lots of Klingshirns in the area today.
ReplyDeleteA similar physical feature in Avon Lake is Heider Creek or Heider Ditch. This small creek or ditch enters Lake Erie at the Avon Lake Boat Club adjacent to the Folger house at the park where Route 83 ends at Lake Road. I assume the feature is named after The Heider/Heyder family that settled on Route 83 not far south of the park. The old homestead built, I believe, in the 1860s still exists.
ReplyDeleteHi Rick! I worked with one of the descendants of the Heider family and we used to joke with him as to whether it was a creek or ditch that his ancestor dug!
ReplyDeleteSo very interesting.
ReplyDelete